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Toasts,
Speeches & Telegrams
Toasts, speeches & telegrams
offer family and close friends the opportunity to express
their congratulations and thanks to the bride and groom
on their wedding day.
As each wedding will differ, the pattern of toasts &
speeches will also differ. However, the traditional pattern
of toasts & speeches are as follow:-
The Loyal Toast
Proposed by the Master of Ceremonies (MC), toastmaster,
celebrant, groom's father or bride's father.
The toast to the bride and groom
This toast is proposed by the bride's father, relative
or close friend of the bride & groom. The speaker
should make reference to the following:
Bride - May like to mention how proud the bride's
parents are of her, how she will be missed and may also
include a brief story which highlights her good qualities.
Son-In-Law - Welcome the groom into the family.
Bride's parents - Welcome the bride's parents.
The speech may end with words of wisdom and good wishes
to the newlyweds.
Finally a toast to the new bride & groom.
Responded to by the groom, who then proposes
The toast to the bridesmaids
The groom will reply on behalf of the bride and himself.
He should thank the bride's parents, his parents and not
to mention the bride.
He should compliment the bridesmaids on their appearance
and acknowledge them for their help and support.
He should acknowledge the invaluable help given by his
best man and groomsmen.
The groom proposes a toast to the bridesmaids.
Responded to by the best man on behalf of the bridesmaids.
The best man may also wish to say a few words relating
to the groom.
The toast to the parents of the bride
Proposed by a relative or close friend of the family.
Responded to by the bride's father.
The toast to the parents of the groom
Proposed by a close friend of the family.
After the traditional speeches, other guests may wish
to say a few words or offer their congratulations. The
best man or toastmaster should be aware of these speakers
beforehand.
It is not necessary for a traditional pattern of toasts
& speeches to be followed. On many occasions only
two speeches are made: Firstly, by the best man who proposes
a toast to the bride & groom and secondly, by the
groom who thanks all the guests, including the bride's
parents, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen.
After the toasts & speeches, the best man should read
the telegrams or any messages. The wedding telegram provides
the opportunity for family & friends, who cannot attend
the wedding, to send their congratulations and good wishes
to the bride and groom. Nowadays, this can also be done
via the facsimile machine and other communications. Some
of these messages may be personal, offensive or embarrassing.
The best man or groom should decide as to which to read
beforehand.
Points to remember for a good speech
- Prepare your speech
beforehand.
- Know at least what the
beginning, middle and end of the speech should be.
- Use hand notes, with
dark writing and clear print.
- Keep it short. Four
of five minutes in front of an audience is long enough.
- Speak clearly and not
too quickly.
- Stand up straight and
speak into the microphone.
- Don't use clichés.
- Keep it light. If necessary
use a few jokes.
- Don't use dirty or 'blue'
jokes.
- If using jokes, practice
delivering the punch line.
- Try not to repeat yourself
or use the same words.
- Be sincere and avoid
over sentimentality.
- Don't drink too much
before your speech.
- Don't deviate from your
prepared speech. You could end up saying something
you will regret.
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January 15, 2007
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